Knowing James O’Donnell’s 35-year recording history as both Master of Music at Westminster Cathedral and then as organist and master of the choristers at Westminster Abbey, there is a palpable sense of anticipation as he takes his place at the console of the Grand Organ in the Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House, high above the audience’s heads (nine metres to be precise).

Once he has finished “putting it through its paces”, it seems an absurdity that it has taken this long for him to make his organ debut at the House.

James O’Donnell at the Sydney Opera House. Photo © Jay Patel

Sydneysiders last got a taste of his organ skills when he inaugurated the new organ at St James’ Church, King Street in 2024. Watching him round out his Australian tour, which included performances of different programs in Adelaide and Brisbane, on the world’s largest mechanical organ is a whole different kettle of fish, and well worth the wait.

A former student of renowned Bach interpreter Peter Hurford, O’Donnell opens with J.S. Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in E-flat major.

Speaking to me earlier this year, O’Donnell said he approaches it “with...